Remineralization of Enamel White Spot Lesions Using Plant-Based Agents

Abstract

1.Background/Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide and results from the demineralization of dental hard tissues caused by acids produced by bacterial metabolism of fermentable carbohydrates. Early enamel lesions, known as white spot lesions (WSLs), represent the initial and potentially reversible stage of the caries process. Although fluoride is considered the gold standard for remineralization therapy, increasing attention has been directed toward natural plant-derived agents with antimicrobial and bioactive properties. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the remineralization potential of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extracts compared with sodium fluoride on artificially induced enamel white spot lesions using laser fluorescence. 2. Methods: Thirty extracted human teeth were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10): ginger extract, rosemary extract, and sodium fluoride varnish. Artificial enamel lesions were induced using 37.5% orthophosphoric acid. Laser fluorescence values were measured with a DIAGNOdent device at baseline (T0), after demineralization (T1), and after 10 days of remineralization treatment (T2).  3.Results: DIAGNOdent values increased after demineralization, confirming successful lesion formation, and decreased after treatment in all groups. The greatest reduction was observed in the ginger extract group. 4. Conclusion: Plant-based agents demonstrated remineralizing potential on early enamel lesions, with ginger extract showing the most promising effect as a possible complementary alternative to fluoride-based therapies